What is an example of a bilateral flower?
2 Answers
A bilateral flower is one that has bilateral symmetry, meaning it can be divided into two mirror-image halves along just one plane. This is different from radial symmetry, where a flower can be divided into multiple symmetrical parts around a central point.
An example of a bilateral flower is the **orchid**. Many orchids have a distinctive shape where their petals and sepals are arranged asymmetrically around the flower's central axis, creating a reflection that is symmetrical along one plane only. Another example is the **sweet pea** (*Lathyrus odoratus*), which has a characteristic bilateral symmetry with its flower parts arranged in a way that can be divided into two mirror-image halves.
These bilateral flowers often exhibit unique shapes and patterns that are adapted to specific pollinators, which helps in the plant's reproduction process.
An example of a bilateral flower is the **orchid**. Many orchids have a distinctive shape where their petals and sepals are arranged asymmetrically around the flower's central axis, creating a reflection that is symmetrical along one plane only. Another example is the **sweet pea** (*Lathyrus odoratus*), which has a characteristic bilateral symmetry with its flower parts arranged in a way that can be divided into two mirror-image halves.
These bilateral flowers often exhibit unique shapes and patterns that are adapted to specific pollinators, which helps in the plant's reproduction process.